Situated on the edge of Donegal Town, just off the Killybegs Road, you can't miss The Gateway Lodge as it's a striking combination of old new and sits quite high above the road - and just a couple of minutes' walk from the town centre.
At its heart there's a handsome Victorian stone building, with modern glass extensions and an American style 'motel' block to the side - and there's plenty of parking, including places for motorhomes with power and water provided.
You arrive into a light, bright reception area with local pictures on the wall and lots of tourist literature displayed - and a very pleasant receptionist who obviously wants you to make the most of your stay, and offers advice on all the best places to go.
Guest rooms, which include some on the ground floor, are divided between the main building and the modern / 'motel' sections and - while the outlook from some rooms may not be very inspiring - they're smartly furnished in a clean lined modern style and neutral colour schemes with occasional pops of colour, such as the lovely button back armchairs in purple leather.
There's plenty of space and all the essentials are as they should be - comfortable beds (various configurations available, including family rooms with double, single and pull out beds), tea/coffee making, hairdryer, large wall-mounted flat screen tv - and plenty of sockets, including some beside the bed. Nice shower room too - no frills, but complimentary handwash and shampoo are provided.
And a high point of a stay here should be a very good breakfast. It's served in Blas Bistro, which is very attractive - wooden floors, pale decor in cool shades, exposed brickwork and lovely glass light fittings - and has a separate entrance. It's open through the day, and as a restaurant for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights (6-9pm).
There's a varied breakfast menu with everything from healthy options - fruit, yoghurt etc - to the more indulgent, such as a marvellous brioche french toast with crispy bacon and maple syrup, or the Blas breakfast, a piping hot rendition of the traditional Irish Breakfast with very tasty bacon and not a drop of grease on the plate. No provenance, unfortunately, but very good food nonetheless and the details are all good - freshly squeezed orange juice, hot tea and coffee and (very unusually) even perfect toast .There's a kids breakfast menu available, too, for €4.50.
As a smalll downside, it's as well to be aware that The Gateway Lodge is not actually an hotel, it's registered under the Failte Ireland 'Welcome Standard', which is for slightly quirky places that don't fit the main accommodation categories. You'll notice, for example, that there's no bar - so nowhere to enjoy an aperitif before dinner, or relax with a drink if you're not eating - and no lounging around space either. But what they do, they do well - what you get here is stylish, very comfortable and moderately priced accommodation and good food - so what's not to love.
